Boats launched : Atlantic 85 and D-Class
Date : Saturday 2 April
Launched at : 14:30
Returned at : 15:15
Weather : Fine with a F3 SE wind
We were asked by UK Coastguard to go to assist two kayakers, reported as in trouble just off W Wittering Beach in the mouth of Chichester Harbour. Both lifeboats were launched in case the D-Class was needed for inshore work. The Atlantic 85 arrived first and searched the area but found no kayakers in difficulties so went along the Wittering shoreline. Further along the shore they found two kayaks and their crew, tired after battling the wind. The two were taken aboard the lifeboat and the kayaks towed behind as they went back to the lifeboat station. The D-Class lifeboat, not now needed, also returned. Once ashore the kayakers were looked after by the Shore Crew and checked that they were OK and they then carried on paddling to their destination in the harbour.
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